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Three Easy Steps to Finding a Nursing Scholarship…PLUS Five Great Scholarships to Get You Started

Step 1. Find Schools You Want to Attend

Most colleges and universities offer fantastic scholarships. So the BEST way to search for scholarships is to narrow the list to include only those schools you’d most like to attend, then research their awards and financial aid options. Many scholarships from corporations and nonprofits also require detailed information about your academic plans, so it pays to decide where to apply before you ramp up your scholarship search.

Begin researching programs of study on NursingLink now.

Step 2. Search for Scholarships

Many organizations and businesses offer scholarships for Bachelor’s and advanced degrees. Look into the following organizations, both in your area and nationally.

• Professional associations
• Your employer (Employee Based Awards)
• Scholarship-focused nonprofits
• Large corporations (Pepsi, Xerox, etc.)
• Foundations (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, etc.)
• Unions
• Advocacy and political organizations
• Religious organizations
• Social/community clubs and organizations
• Service organizations (Rotary, Elks, etc.)

Scholarship criteria vary widely. Some scholarships are earmarked for students pursuing specific careers; others may be regional, designated for applicants from a particular state or county. Typically, organizations and schools may offer scholarships to students who meet a set of criteria, which could include:

• Demonstrated commitment to community service or volunteer work
• Commitment to pursue a valued career, academic, or research interest
• Learning or physical disabilities
• Demonstrated commitment to fine arts or performing arts
• Demonstrated athletic achievement and talent
• Economic need
• Underrepresented minority group
• Student is a gender minority in their field of interest (Ex: male nurses)
• Birthplace (for students from a particular city, state, or country)
• Student is the first to go to college in their family
• Contest / essay contest winner
• Going back to school; single parent
• High academic achievement
• High standardized test scores

A good strategy is to determine the types of scholarships you may be eligible for and search specifically for those.

Which area(s) might you qualify under?

Here are some hand-picked nursing scholarships that will get you started on your search:

1. Sigma Theta Tau International Research Grants

Amount: $5,000

In its mission to provide leadership and scholarship in practice, education and research, and to encourage nurses to contribute to the advancement of nursing through research, Sigma Theta Tau offers numerous research grant opportunities. Find out more information here.

2. Dr. Hilda Richards Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Scholarships Available: 2

The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) is committed to excellence in education and conducts continuing education programs for nurses and allied health professionals throughout the year. The association provides annual scholarships for students. Scholarships provide funding for continuing education. This funding enables nurses to grow and better contribute their talents to the health and healthcare of our communities. Candidate must be currently enrolled in a nursing program (B.S.N., A.D., Diploma or L.P.N. / L.V.N. and in good scholastic standing at the time of application. Must be a member of NBNA and a member of a local chapter (if one exists in your area). Applicant must have at least one full year of school remaining. The deadline for this scholarship is April 15. Find out more information here.

3. Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC)

Amount: $9,000 – $60,000 per year

Scholarships Available: 100

The Air Force nursing scholarship program helps you pursue a nursing degree to earn an Air Force commission through Air Force ROTC. Nursing Scholarships are offered for 1 to 4 years. Only high school seniors or graduates who have not attended college full-time may qualify for the 4-year nursing scholarship. Students in college may apply for the 1 to 3-year scholarship. The Type 1 scholarships pay full college tuition, most mandatory fees, plus a textbook allowance. The Type 2 scholarships pay the same benefits except tuition is capped at $15,000 per year. A third type of scholarship (called Type 7) offers full tuition, but the student must attend a school where the tuition is less than $9,000 annually. During the year, all Air Force ROTC cadets on scholarship receive a monthly nontaxable allowance (which varies freshmen to seniors). After you have completed all Air Force ROTC program requirements and your degree requirements, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force Nurse Corps and serve 4 terms on active duty. Newly commissioned nurses will complete licensing requirements after graduation. Find out more information here.

4. AORN Foundation Scholarship Program

Amount: $1,000 – $5,000

Scholarships Availbale: 1 – 100

The AORN Foundation Scholarship Program offers financial support to students enrolled in nursing schools and to perioperative nurses pursuing bachelors, masters, or doctoral degrees. With the critical nursing shortage and the cost of higher education, the AORN Foundation Board of Trustees knows it is of the utmost importance to fund scholarships for students pursuing careers in nursing and for nurses advancing their professional careers. The application deadline is June 15, 2008 (online application and manual version). Find out more information here.

5. Touchmark Foundation Nursing Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

The Touchmark Foundation’s nursing scholarship program focuses on nursing students at all levels, with a particular interest in students pursuing advanced degrees in order to teach and students intending to work with seniors. Students must be accepted into or enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Find out more information here.

Step 3. Apply for Lots of Scholarships – Don’t be Shy

Finding scholarship programs can be a time-consuming process. Unfortunately, many students spend hours looking for a scholarship but fail to put an equal amount of effort into completing their application. The application is by far the most important part of your scholarship search; give it the time it deserves.

One last bit of advice: Double-check the scholarship requirements before you apply. After all, you want to be sure you are eligible before you apply. Write, call or e-mail the scholarship sponsor to ensure you have full details of application procedures and know what will be expected of the successful applicant. You can never have too much Information!